Wondering what’s new for Android Auto media apps in 2025? Google has just teased a major update that could transform how you experience music, podcasts, and more while driving. The upcoming Android Auto media app updates promise enhanced layouts, improved navigation, and a more personalized in-car entertainment experience. With top apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music adopting these changes, drivers can expect a smoother, safer, and more engaging experience on the road.
For years, Android Auto’s media apps have maintained a consistent interface—helpful for minimizing distractions, but sometimes lacking in functionality and flexibility. That’s about to change. At Google I/O 2025, the company introduced two key updates that will redefine how media apps look and feel on Android Auto.
The first major change is the new “SectionedItemTemplate” for browsing interfaces. This feature lets apps organize content into sections, like highlighting recent searches above albums or playlists. Imagine quickly accessing your favorite podcasts or latest playlists without navigating through endless menus—this update streamlines the process, making it more user-friendly.
Next, Google unveiled a fresh take on the “MediaPlaybackTemplate,” which controls the “Now Playing” screen. Developers will have more flexibility to design layouts, moving controls to the bottom right corner or rearranging buttons for a more intuitive experience. While these changes aren’t drastic, they bring a refreshing touch to an otherwise uniform platform, balancing familiarity with innovation.
For developers, Google is rolling out updates to the “Car App Library,” enabling the creation of richer, more complete media app experiences. Until now, Android Auto media apps often felt like pared-down versions of their smartphone counterparts. With this update, users can expect fuller functionality and easier navigation, even during complex tasks like switching playlists or browsing podcasts.
While these changes are currently in beta and have no confirmed release date, anticipation is building. Google has already announced that major players like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music are preparing to adopt the new features, bringing premium experiences to millions of drivers worldwide.
These updates also tie into Google’s broader strategy for Android Auto, which continues to expand with over 250 million cars now equipped to support it. From video and browser apps to weather updates and even Gemini integration for live translations, Android Auto is evolving into a fully connected in-car platform.
Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the upcoming Android Auto media app updates promise to make your journey more seamless and entertaining. Stay tuned for official rollout dates and hands-on previews as Google and its partners bring these exciting features to your dashboard.
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